Japan-Australia Relations

On January 25, commencing at 4:20 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, a total of nine people, consisting of a former Australian prisoner of war (POW), three widows of POWs, four members of their families, and a historian, who are visiting Japan at the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, paid a courtesy call on Mr. Nobuo Kishi, State Minister for Foreign Affairs. The overview is as follows.

1. State Minister Kishi expressed his hope that this invitation contributes to reconciliation and friendship between the two countries, as well as explaining that he intends to strive to further build the relationship between the two countries, through mutual exchanges including this program, where the people of both countries smile together and help each other. 
2. In response, the former POW, the widows and the historian expressed their gratitude for the invitation from the Government of Japan, and explained that they are pleased to be able to visit Japan, along with stating that they hope the friendly and future-oriented relationship between Japan and Australia will be further strengthened.
3. Additionally, State Minister Kishi said that he hopes they enjoy their stay in Japan, as well as expressed his hope that they would visit Japan again during the Tokyo Olympic in 2020. The meeting took place in a congenial atmosphere.